A Russian drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead struck the protective containment shell of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine overnight, intensifying global security concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attack, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Though the strike resulted in significant damage to the plant's sarcophagus and ignited a fire, radiation levels remained stable, as reported by Ukrainian emergency services.
Located in Ukraine, the Chornobyl nuclear power plant is infamous for being the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. Despite its troubled past, it remains Europe's largest nuclear facility and ranks among the world's ten biggest. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assured that the drone strike had not penetrated the plant's inner containment shell, though they remain "on high alert" due to the heightened military activities nearby.
The incident unfolded mere hours before the Munich Security Conference, where Ukraine's war dominated discussions. President Zelenskyy expressed grave concern over Russia's actions, stating:
"The only state in the world that can attack such facilities, occupy the territory of nuclear power plants, and conduct hostilities without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. And this is a terrorist threat to the entire world."
Despite Ukrainian accusations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied Moscow's involvement in the attack, claiming:
"The Russian military doesn’t do that. They don’t. This is most likely just another provocation."
Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine intends to provide detailed information about the Chornobyl strike to the United States, emphasizing the need for international accountability. He also remarked that the attack demonstrated Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations.
"Russia must be held accountable for what it is doing," Zelenskyy asserted.
The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that this incident, along with recent military activities near another major Ukrainian nuclear facility in Zaporizhzhia, highlights persistent nuclear safety risks.
The United States President Joe Biden addressed the situation at the White House, expressing his trust in Putin's assurances of desiring peace. However, this statement has further escalated concerns in Kyiv, as Ukraine perceives the drone strike as a provocation rather than an isolated act.